#TBT: Michael Jackson Told Oprah He Would Never Pick A White Person To Play Him

In an interview from 1993, the King of Pop said he was completely against the idea of a White person playing him.

After news that a White actor was cast to play Michael Jackson on a British TV comedy series surfaced this week, an old interview featuring the King of Pop himself has confirmed what we already knew: White actors shouldn’t portray Black people – period.

It was announced Wednesday that Joseph Fiennes – of Shakespeare in Love and American Horror Story: Asylum fame – would play Jackson in Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon.

The dramatization-style comedy will focus on a rumored road trip the three icons took from New York City to Ohio the day after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Although many – including those close to the late Taylor – have refuted the old tale, news about Fiennes portraying the African-American entertainer took center stage yesterday. Fiennes shared his thoughts on the backlash, calling the comedy a “lighthearted take” on an urban myth.

While Fiennes acknowledges that he might receive some criticism for playing an African-American, he doesn’t think his race should come into play. “[Jackson] definitely had an issue — a pigmentation issue — and that’s something I do believe,” the Shakespeare in Love star explained. “He was probably closer to my color than his original color.”

He added in defense of the movie, “It’s a light comedy look. It’s not in any way malicious. It’s actually endearing.”

Today, fans re-posted the interview Jackson gave to Oprah Winfrey 23 years ago, in which he addressed rumors that he wanted a White child to play him in a Pepsi commercial.

Jackson responded pretty adamantly: “That’s the most ridiculous, horrifying story I’ve ever heard. It’s crazy. Why would I want a white child to play me? I’m a black American. I am proud to be a black American. I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am.”

MJ’s family hasn’t commented on the show as of yet. Elizabeth Taylor will be played by Grease star StockardChanning, and Brian Cox will portray Marlon Brando.